Methods, systems,  and apparatus for the monitoring, controlling, and communicating of lighting systems

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, and communicating are disclosed, including splicing one or more control clamps to power lines of devices; establishing a PLC link between one or more powernet control communication cubes; connecting a PCCC to a communication gateway in order to enable communication from a remote device using a PCCC dashboard application; using a communication port of the one or more powernet control communication cubes to communicate between the one or more powernet control communication cubes; using the PLC link to communicate between the one or more powernet control communication cubes; using the one or more powernet control communication cubes with the spliced one or more control clamps to monitor and control the one or more devices; creating one or more RFID/Bluetooth beacons; and using one or more monitor sensors to monitor the area around the devices. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/027,627, filed Jul. 22, 2014, Provisional Patent Application No. 62/027,626, filed Jul. 22, 2014, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Furthermore, the Nonprovisional patent application entitled “Method and Apparatus for Performing an Energy Audit”, filed Jul. 22, 2015, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to the field of monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a radio communication to power line communication bridge and networking system for the monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices such as lighting systems.

SUMMARY

In one respect, disclosed may be a method for monitoring, controlling, and communicating. The method may comprise: splicing at least one control clamp to the power lines of at least one device; establishing a powernet control unit (PCU) power line communication link between at least one powernet control unit; connecting at least one of the at least one powernet control unit to a communication gateway in order to enable communication with the powernet control unit from a mobile device, a local server, and/or a remote server using a powernet control unit/communication cube (PCU/CC) dashboard application; using a PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and a communication cube (CC) inter-PCU/CC wireless module to communicate between the at least one powernet control unit and at least one communication cubes; using CC inter-PCU/CC wireless modules to communicate between the at least one communication cube; using the PCU power line communication link to communicate with the at least one powernet control unit; using the at least one communication cube with the spliced at least one control clamp to monitor and control the at least one device; using RFID modules and Bluetooth modules of the at least one communication cube to create at least one RFID/Bluetooth beacon; and using at least one monitor sensor of the at least one communication cube to monitor the area around the at least one device.

In another respect, disclosed is a method for monitoring, controlling, and communicating. The method may comprise: splicing at least one control clamp to the power lines of at least one device; establishing a power line communication link between at least one powernet control communication cube; connecting at least one of the at least one powernet control communication cube to a communication gateway in order to enable communication with the at least one powernet control communication cube from at least one of a mobile device and a remote server using a powernet control communication cube (PCCC) dashboard application; using a communication port of the at least one powernet control communication cube to communicate between the at least one powernet control communication cube; using the power line communication link to communicate between the at least one powernet control communication cube; using the at least one powernet control communication cube with the spliced at least one control clamp to monitor and control the at least one device; using RFID modules and Bluetooth modules of the at least one powernet control communication cube to create at least one RFID/Bluetooth beacon; and using at least one monitor sensor of the at least one powernet control communication cube to monitor the area around the at least one device.

In one respect, disclosed is an apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating. The apparatus may comprise: at least one powernet control unit, wherein the power control unit (PCU) may comprise: a PCU housing; a PCU system bus within the PCU housing; at least one PCU processor coupled to the PCU system bus; PCU system memory coupled to the at least one PCU processor; at least one PCU non-transitory memory unit coupled to the at least one PCU processor; a GPS module coupled to the PCU system bus; a power port coupled to the PCU system bus; a PCU internal battery coupled to the PCU system bus; a communication port coupled to the PCU system bus, wherein the communication port may comprise at least one of: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a cellular network radio; a PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module coupled to the PCU system bus, wherein the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module may comprise at least one of: Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee; and PCU code stored on the at least one PCU non-transitory memory unit; a communication gateway coupled to the communication port, wherein the communication gateway may be connected to a cloud; at least one of a local server and a mobile device connected to the communication gateway and configured to communicate with the PCU through the communication gateway; at least one of a remote server and a mobile device connected to the cloud and configured to communicate with the PCU through the communication gateway; and at least one communication cube, wherein the communication cube (CC) may comprise: a CC housing; a CC system bus within the communication cube CC housing; at least one CC processor coupled to the CC system bus; CC system memory coupled to the at least one CC processor; at least one CC non-transitory memory unit coupled to the at least one CC processor; an RFID module coupled to the CC system bus; a Bluetooth module coupled to the CC system bus; a CC internal battery coupled to the CC system bus; a CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module coupled to the CC system bus, wherein the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module may comprise at least one of: Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee; at least one control port coupled to the CC system bus; at least one control clamp coupled to the at least one control port; at least one monitor sensor coupled to the CC system bus; and CC code stored on the at least one CC non-transitory memory unit; wherein the PCU code when executed by the at least one PCU processors may be configured to perform a PCU method that may comprise: establishing a PCU power line communication link between the at least one powernet control unit; communicating with the at least one powernet control unit through the PCU power line communication link; communicating with the at least one communication cube through the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; and communicating with a PCU/CC dashboard application; and wherein the CC code when executed by the at least one CC processor may be configured to perform a CC method that may comprise: communicating with the at least one powernet control unit through the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; communicating with the at least one communication cube through the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; monitoring and controlling at least one device through the at least one control clamp, wherein the at least one device may comprise a lighting system; creating an RFID/Bluetooth beacon; and monitoring the at least one monitor sensor.

In another respect, disclosed may be an apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating. The apparatus may comprise: at least one powernet control communication cube, wherein the powernet control communication cube (PCCC) may comprise: a housing; a system bus within the housing; at least one processor coupled to the system bus; system memory coupled to the at least one processor; at least one non-transitory memory unit coupled to the at least one processor; a GPS module coupled to the system bus; a power port coupled to the system bus; an internal battery coupled to the system bus; a communication port coupled to the system bus, wherein the communication port may comprise at least one of: Wi-Fi, PLC, Ethernet, ZigBee, 6LoWPan, and Bluetooth; at least one control port coupled to the system bus; at least one control clamp coupled to the at least one control port; at least one monitor sensor coupled to the system bus; and PCCC code stored on the at least one non-transitory memory unit; a communication gateway coupled to the communication port, wherein the communication gateway may be connected to a cloud; at least one of a local server and a mobile device connected to the communication gateway and configured to communicate with the PCCC through the communication gateway; and at least one of a remote server and a mobile device connected to the cloud and configured to communicate with the PCCC through the communication gateway; wherein the PCCC code when executed by the at least one processor may be configured to perform a PCCC method that may comprise: establishing a power line communication link between the at least one powernet control communication cube; communicating with a PCCC dashboard application; communicating with the at least one powernet control communication cube through the power line communication link; communicating with the at least one powernet control communication cube through the communication port; monitoring and controlling at least one device through the at least one control clamp, wherein the at least one device may comprise a lighting system; creating an RFID/Bluetooth beacon; and monitoring the at least one monitor sensor.

Numerous additional embodiments may also be possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention may become apparent upon reading the detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method for monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method for monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices in accordance with embodiments.

While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and the accompanying detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments. This disclosure is instead intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments of the invention are described below. It should be noted that these and any other embodiments are exemplary and are intended to be illustrative of the invention rather than limiting. While the invention is widely applicable to different types of systems, it is impossible to include all of the possible embodiments and contexts of the invention in this disclosure. Upon reading this disclosure, many alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

With the growth of the Internet of Things, existing devices are becoming networked in order to enable the monitoring, controlling, and communicating of the devices. Lighting and lighting systems are devices that are becoming networked in order to control power, color, and brightness. Currently, the method for incorporating a control system into an existing lighting system may be carried out by running wire or cable from a control device/panel to the lighting system. The running of the wire or cable may cost $10,000 per floor and may require days to accomplish. Additionally, the control device/panel may cost between $10,000 to $15,000. With such economics, the implementation of the Internet of Things to existing lighting systems has been slow in coming.

A method, apparatus, and system for monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices may be described. The method, apparatus, and system may use a radio communication to power line communication bridge and networking system for the monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices such as lighting systems. This method, apparatus, and system may not require the running of wire or cable and may be deployed in hours, not days, at a fraction of the cost of existing control systems. Since the apparatus may be used with any lighting fixture or lamp brand, the apparatus may be integrated into any existing lighting system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating in accordance with embodiments.

In embodiments, apparatus 100 may comprise at least one powernet control unit and at least one communication cube. The powernet control unit (PCU) 105 may comprise a PCU housing 107, a system bus 109, at least one processor 111, system memory 113, at least one non-transitory memory unit 115, a power port 117, an internal battery 119, a communication port 121, an inter-PCU/CC wireless module 123, and a GPS module 125, all of which may be directly or indirectly coupled to each other. The communication cube (CC) 106 may comprise a CC housing 127, a system bus 129, at least one processor 131, system memory 133, at least one non-transitory memory unit 135, an internal battery 137, an inter-PCU/CC wireless module 139, at least one control port 141, at least one control clamp 143, at least one monitor sensor 145, a RFID module 147, and a Bluetooth module 149, all of which may be directly or indirectly coupled to each other. In the installation of the apparatus, the PCU 105 may be mounted on the back of a flat electrical strike plate and may be powered by the internal battery 119 or by A/C power 151 through the power port 117 in embodiments. In embodiments, the communication port 121 may comprise at least one of a Wi-Fi radio, an Ethernet port, and a power line communication (PLC) bridge and may allow for the communication between powernet control units 105 and external control and monitoring devices such as mobile device 153, local server 155, and/or remote server 157. For Wi-Fi, PLC, and Ethernet, communication may be established through a communication gateway 159 such as a router/PLC/modem. Using a communication cube control web portal or a communication cube control app (PCU/CC dashboard application), at least one of the local server 155 and the mobile device 153 may be used to communicate with the PCU 105 and the CC 106 through the communication gateway 159. Additionally, the communication gateway 159 may be connected to the Internet 161, thus making it possible for the remote server 157 and/or the mobile device 153, using a communication cube control web portal or a communication cube control app, to communicate with the PCU 105 and the CC 106. The PCU 105 may communicate with the CC 106 through the inter-PCU/CC wireless module 123 of the PCU 105 with the inter-PCU/CC wireless module 139 of the CC 106. The inter-PCU/CC wireless modules 123, 139 may comprise at least one of a Bluetooth radio, 6LoWPan radio, and ZigBee radio. Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee may encompass all past, current, and future versions of the wireless protocols. The powernet control units which are connected to the PLC may be nodes which in turn may be in communication with the communication cubes 106. Each PCU node may be capable of identifying the communication cubes 106 which are connected to it. This network of communication cubes 106 connected to PCU nodes which are connected via PLC may be referred to as a powernet.

In embodiments, the CC 106 may be mounted within a lighting fixture and may be powered by the internal battery 137 or by one of the at least one control clamp 143 spliced into the power line to the lighting fixture. The control clamp may be designed to splice the power line to a lighting fixture without having to shut down power to the lighting fixture or device. After splicing the power line, direct power to the lighting fixture may be removed and the CC 106 may now be capable of controlling the lighting fixture or device, thus enabling control for dimming, color, and other primary and secondary functions such as, but not limited to Li-Fi management and emergency controls. Since the control clamp 143 is tapped into the power line, the control clamp 143 may also be able to provide power to the CC 106 through the control port 141. The CC 106 may also comprise at least one monitor sensor 145 to monitor for occupancy in the area of the lighting fixture as well as the lighting fixture location and status.

In embodiments, the RFID module 147 and Bluetooth module 149 of the CC 106 may be used to establish a beacon. The RFID module 147 may be used to monitor the space around the lighting fixture or device for any RFID transmitters. In a hospital setting, the RFID transmitters may be mounted onto tables, drug carts, wheel chairs, etc. The CC 106 may then be able to keep track of the RFID transmitters in the vicinity of the lighting fixture. The Bluetooth module 149 may be used to continuously ping the area around the lighting fixture for any nearby Bluetooth enabled devices. The vast majority of phones and devices since 2006 may respond to this pinging, thus enabling the CC 106 to map and monitor the number of people that are carrying Bluetooth phones and devices that are in the vicinity of the lighting fixture. The processing of the RFID and Bluetooth monitoring may be handled locally by the at least one processor 131 of the CC 106. By having this map of people and things, if a patient is looking for a particular facility within the hospital, the path of least resistance (i.e. least congestion) for the patient to get to the particular facility may be determined from the data collected from RFID monitoring and Bluetooth pinging. This path may be transmitted to the patient who is running the hospital's mobile application on a Bluetooth enabled phone. In embodiments, the Bluetooth module 149 may be used to transmit offers, promotions, or other information to an individual with a Bluetooth enabled phone running a particular store or promotion mobile application. In such a scenario, if a customer is shopping at a grocery store and is running a store's mobile application on a Bluetooth enabled phone and the customer approaches the soft drink aisle, the CC 106 may be able to determine that the customer is in the soft drink aisle and may be able to present the customer offers and promotions for products that are also in the soft drink aisle. The CC 106 may present offers for products that are available since the CC 106 may use its RFID module 147 to detect for products labeled with RFID tags.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating in accordance with embodiments.

In embodiments, apparatus 200 may comprise at least one powernet control communication cube 205. The powernet control communication cube (PCCC) 205 may comprise a housing 207, a system bus 209, at least one processor 211, system memory 213, at least one non-transitory memory unit 215, a power port 217, an internal battery 219, a communication port 221, at least one control port 223, at least one control clamp 225, at least one monitor sensor 227, a GPS module 229, an RFID module 231, and a Bluetooth module 233, all of which may be directly or indirectly coupled to each other.

In embodiments, the PCCC 205 may be mounted within a lighting fixture or on the back of a flat electrical strike plate and may be powered by the internal battery 219 or by using one of the control clamps 225 coupled to the power port 217 to tap into a power line. Alternatively, the power port 217 may draw its power internally from one of the control clamps 225 connected to the control port 223. The communication port 221 may comprise at least one of a Wi-Fi radio, a PLC bridge, an Ethernet port, ZigBee radio, 6LoWPan radio, and a Bluetooth radio and may allow for the communication between powernet control communication cubes 205 and external control and monitoring devices such as mobile device 235 and remote server 237. Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee may encompass all past, current, and future versions of the wireless protocols. For Wi-Fi, PLC, and Ethernet, communication may be established through a communication gateway 239 such as a router/PLC/modem. Using a PCCC control web portal or a PCCC control app (PCCC dashboard application), the mobile device 235 may be used to communicate with the PCCC 205 through the communication gateway 239. Additionally, the communication gateway 239 may be connected to the Internet 241, thus making it possible for at least one of the remote server 237 and the mobile device 235, using a PCCC control web portal or a PCCC control app, to communicate with the PCCC 205. Using the Bluetooth radio of the communication port 221, the mobile device 235 may also be capable of communicating with the PCCC 205 through the communication port 221. The powernet control communication cubes 205 may also communicate with each other through the communication port 221 using the Bluetooth radio, 6LoWPan radio, and/or ZigBee radio. The powernet control communication cubes 205 which are connected to the PLC may be nodes which in turn may be in communication with the powernet control communication cubes 205 which may not be connected to the PLC. Each PCCC node may be capable of identifying the powernet control communication cubes 205 which may be connected to it. This network of powernet control communication cubes 205 connected to PCCC nodes which are connected via PLC may be referred to as a powernet. Lastly, the GPS module 229 may provide location data for the PCCC 205 and may allow for the traceability of the PCCC 205 in event of its theft.

In embodiments, the RFID module 231 and Bluetooth module 233 of the PCCC 205 may be used to establish a beacon. The RFID module 231 may be used to monitor the space around the lighting fixture or device for any RFID transmitters. In a hospital setting, the RFID transmitters may be mounted onto tables, drug carts, wheel chairs, etc. The PCCC 205 may then be able to keep track of the RFID transmitters in the vicinity of the lighting fixture. The Bluetooth module 233 may be used to continuously ping the area around the lighting fixture for any nearby Bluetooth enabled devices. The vast majority of phones and devices since 2006 will respond to this pinging, thus enabling the PCCC 205 to map and monitor the number of people that are carrying Bluetooth phones and devices that may be in the vicinity of the lighting fixture. The processing of the RFID and Bluetooth monitoring may be handled locally by the at least one processor 211 of the PCCC 205. By having this map of people and things, if a patient is looking for a particular facility within the hospital, the path of least resistance (i.e. least congestion) for the patient to get to the particular facility may be determined from the data collected from RFID monitoring and Bluetooth pinging. This path may be transmitted to the patient who is running the hospital's mobile application on a Bluetooth enabled phone. In embodiments, the Bluetooth 233 may be used to transmit offers, promotions, or other information to an individual with a Bluetooth enabled phone running a particular store or promotion mobile application. In such a scenario, if a customer is shopping at a grocery store and is running a store's mobile application on a Bluetooth enabled phone and the customer approaches the soft drink aisle, the PCCC 205 may be able to determine that the customer is in the soft drink aisle and may be able to present the customer offers and promotions for products that are also in the soft drink aisle. The PCCC 205 may present offers for products that are available since the PCCC 205 uses its RFID module 231 to detect for products labeled with RFID tags.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating in accordance with embodiments.

In embodiments, apparatus 300 may comprise at least one powernet control communication cube 305. The powernet control communication cube (PCCC) 305 may comprise a housing 307, a system bus 309, at least one processor 311, system memory 313, at least one non-transitory memory unit 315, a power port 317, an internal battery 319, a communication port 321, at least one control port 323, and at least one control clamp 325, all of which may be directly or indirectly coupled to each other.

In embodiments, the PCCC 305 may be mounted within a lighting fixture or on the back of a flat electrical strike plate and may be powered by the internal battery 319 or by using one of the control clamps 325 coupled to the power port 317 to tap into a power line. Alternatively, the power port 317 may draw its power internally from one of the control clamps 325 connected to the control port 323. The communication port 321 may comprise at least one of a Wi-Fi radio, a PLC bridge, an Ethernet port, ZigBee radio, 6LoWPan radio, and a Bluetooth radio and may allow for the communication between powernet control communication cubes 305 and external control and monitoring devices such as at least one of a mobile device 327 and a remote server 329. Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee may encompass all past, current, and future versions of the wireless protocols. For Wi-Fi, PLC, and Ethernet, communication may be established through a communication gateway 331 such as a router/PLC/modem. Using a PCCC control web portal or a PCCC control app (PCCC dashboard application), the mobile device 327 may be used to communicate with the PCCC 305 through the communication gateway 331. Additionally, the communication gateway 331 may be connected to the Internet 333, thus making it possible for at least one of the remote server 329 and the mobile device 327, using a PCCC control web portal or a PCCC control app, to communicate with the PCCC 305. Using the Bluetooth radio of the communication port 321, the mobile device 327 may also be capable of communicating with the PCCC 305 through the communication port 321. The powernet control communication cubes 305 may also communicate with each other through the communication port 321 using the Bluetooth radio, 6LoWPan radio, and/or ZigBee radio. The powernet control communication cubes 305 which may be connected to the PLC may be nodes which in turn may be in communication with the powernet control communication cubes which are not connected to the PLC. Each PCCC node may be capable of identifying the powernet control communication cubes 305 which may be connected to it. This network of powernet control communication cubes 305 connected to PCCC nodes which are connected via PLC may be referred to as a powernet.

In embodiments, the PCCC 305 may be used to control a single lamp, a single fixture, and/or a series of fixtures. For such an embodiment, the PCCC 305 may be mounted within the lighting fixture and may be powered by the internal battery 319 or by one of the at least one control clamp 325 spliced into the power line to the lighting fixture. The control clamp 325 may be designed to splice the power line to a lighting fixture without having to shut down power to the lighting fixture or device. After splicing the power line, direct power to the lighting fixture may be removed and the PCCC 305 may now be capable of controlling the lighting fixture, thus enabling control for dimming, color, and other primary and secondary functions such as, but not limited to Li-Fi management and emergency controls. Since the control clamp is tapped into the power line, the control clamp may also be able to provide power to the PCCC 305 through the power port 317. This embodiment was similarly disclosed in FIG. 2, except that in this embodiment, the components not required for controlling a lighting system, (the at least one monitor sensor, the GPS, the RFID, and Bluetooth) have been eliminated.

In embodiments, the components for communication through the communication gateway may be separated from the components for communication between the powernet control communication cubes 305. In such an embodiment, the powernet control unit may comprise at least one of the Wi-Fi radio, the Ethernet port, and the power line communication (PLC) bridge and the communication cube 305 may comprise at least one of a Bluetooth radio, 6LoWPan radio, and ZigBee radio, as was similarly disclosed in FIG. 1, except that in this embodiment, the components not required for controlling a lighting system (the at least one monitor sensor, the GPS, the RFID, and Bluetooth) have been eliminated.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method for monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices in accordance with embodiments.

In embodiments, PCU code and CC code may be stored on the at least one PCU non-transitory memory unit and the at least one CC non-transitory memory unit, respectively, and executed by the at least one PCU processor and by the at least one CC processor, respectively, to perform a method 400 for monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices. The method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be performed by the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. Processing may begin in method 400 at block 405, wherein at least one control clamp may be spliced to the power lines of at least one device.

At block 410, a PCU power line communication link may be established for communication between at least one powernet control unit in embodiments.

At block 415, a powernet control unit may be connected to a communication gateway in order to enable communication with the powernet control unit from a mobile device, local server, or remote server using a PCU/CC dashboard application in embodiments.

At block 420, the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless modules and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless modules may be used to communicate between the at least one powernet control unit and the at least one communication cube in embodiments.

At block 425, the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless modules may be used to communicate between the at least one communication cubes in embodiments.

At block 430, the PCU power line communication link may be used to communicate with the at least one powernet control unit in embodiments.

At block 435, the at least one communication cube with the spliced at least one control clamp may be used to monitor and control the at least one device in embodiments.

At block 440, the RFID modules and the Bluetooth modules of the at least one communication cube may be used to create at least one RFID/Bluetooth beacon in embodiments.

At block 445, the at least one monitor sensor of the at least one communication cube may be monitored in embodiments. The at least one monitor sensor may be used to monitor for occupancy in the area of the device as well as the device location and status. Processing may subsequently end after block 445 in embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method for monitoring, controlling, and communicating of devices in accordance with embodiments.

In embodiments, PCCC code may be stored on the at least one non-transitory memory unit and may be executed by the at least one processor to perform a method 500 for monitoring, controlling, and communication of devices. The method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 may be performed by the apparatuses illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Processing may begin in method 500 at block 505, wherein at least one control clamp may be spliced to the power lines of at least one device.

At block 510, a power line communication link may be established for communication between at least one powernet control communication cube in embodiments.

At block 515, a PCCC may be connected to a communication gateway in order to enable communication with the PCCC from a mobile device and/or remote server using a PCCC dashboard application in embodiments.

At block 520, the communication port may be used to communicate between the at least one powernet control communication cube in embodiments.

At block 525, the power line communication link may be used to communicate between the at least one powernet control communication cube in embodiments.

At block 530, the at least one powernet control communication cube with the spliced at least one control clamp may be used to monitor and control the at least one device in embodiments.

At block 535, the RFID modules and the Bluetooth modules of the at least one powernet control communication cube may be used to create at least one RFID/Bluetooth beacon in embodiments.

At block 540, the at least one monitor sensor of the at least one powernet control communication cube may be monitored. The at least one monitor sensor may be used to monitor for occupancy in the area of the device as well as the device location and status. Processing may subsequently ends after block 540 in embodiments.

Embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage product with at least one non-transitory memory unit having instructions or computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The at least one memory unit are non-transitory in the sense that they do not include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The at least one memory unit and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may be those designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes. Examples of at least one memory unit include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital Video Discs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical disks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM), and Random-Access Memory (RAM) devices.

Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented using Java, C++, Python, C, or other programming languages (e.g., object-oriented programming languages) and development tools. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, database code, and compressed code.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

The benefits and advantages that may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variations thereof, are intended to be interpreted as non-exclusively including the elements or limitations which follow those terms. Accordingly, a system, method, or other embodiment that comprises a set of elements is not limited to only those elements, and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the claimed embodiment.

While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention as detailed within the following claims. 

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 9. An apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communicating, the apparatus comprising: at least one powernet control unit, the powernet control unit (PCU) comprising: a PCU housing; a PCU system bus in the PCU housing; at least one PCU processor coupled to the PCU system bus; PCU system memory coupled to the at least one PCU processor; at least one PCU non-transitory memory unit coupled to the at least one PCU processor; a power port coupled to the PCU system bus; a communication port coupled to the PCU system bus; a PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module coupled to the PCU system bus; and PCU code stored on the at least one PCU non-transitory memory unit; a communication gateway coupled to the communication port; at least one communication cube, the at least one communication cube (CC) comprising: a CC housing; a CC system bus in the communication cube CC housing; at least one CC processor coupled to the CC system bus; CC system memory coupled to the at least one CC processor; at least one CC non-transitory memory unit coupled to the at least one CC processor; a CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module coupled to the CC system bus; at least one control port coupled to the CC system bus; at least one control clamp coupled to the at least one control port; and CC code stored on the at least one CC non-transitory memory unit; the PCU code when executed by the at least one PCU processor configured to: establish a PCU power line communication link to the at least one powernet control unit; communicate with the at least one powernet control unit through the PCU power line communication link; communicate with the at least one communication cube through the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; communicate with a PCU/CC dashboard application; the CC code when executed by the at least one CC processor configured to: communicate with the at least one powernet control unit through the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; communicate with the at least one communication cube through the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; and monitor and control at least one device through the at least one control clamp.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, the PCU further comprising a GPS module coupled to the PCU system bus.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, the PCU further comprising a PCU internal battery coupled to the PCU system bus.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, the communication port comprising at least one of: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a cellular network radio.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module comprising at least one of: Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, the communication gateway connected to a cloud.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, the apparatus further comprising at least one of a local server and a mobile device connected to the communication gateway and configured to communicate with the PCU through the communication gateway.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, the apparatus further comprising at least one of a remote server and a mobile device connected to the cloud and configured to communicate with the PCU through the communication gateway.
 17. The apparatus of claim 9, the CC further comprising an RFID module coupled to the CC system bus and a Bluetooth module coupled to the CC system bus.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further configured to create an RFID/Bluetooth beacon.
 19. The apparatus of claim 9, the CC further comprising a CC internal battery coupled to the CC system bus.
 20. The apparatus of claim 9, the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module comprising at least one of: Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee.
 21. The apparatus of claim 9, the CC further comprising at least one monitor sensor coupled to the CC system bus.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising the step of monitoring the at least one monitor sensor.
 23. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one device comprising a lighting system.
 24. An apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one powernet control unit, the at least one powernet control unit (PCU) comprising: a PCU housing; a PCU system bus within the PCU housing; at least one PCU processor coupled to the PCU system bus; PCU system memory coupled to the at least one PCU processor; at least one PCU non-transitory memory unit coupled to the at least one PCU processor; a GPS module coupled to the PCU system bus; a power port coupled to the PCU system bus; a PCU internal battery coupled to the PCU system bus; a communication port coupled to the PCU system bus, the communication port comprising at least one of: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a cellular network radio; a PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module coupled to the PCU system bus, the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module comprising at least one of: Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee; and PCU code stored on the at least one PCU non-transitory memory unit; a communication gateway coupled to the communication port, the communication gateway connected to a cloud; at least one of a local server and a mobile device connected to the communication gateway and configured to communicate with the PCU through the communication gateway; at least one of a remote server and a mobile device connected to the cloud and configured to communicate with the PCU through the communication gateway; and at least one communication cube, the at least one communication cube (CC) comprising: a CC housing; a CC system bus in the communication cube CC housing; at least one CC processor coupled to the CC system bus; CC system memory coupled to the at least one CC processor; at least one CC non-transitory memory unit coupled to the at least one CC processor; an RFID module coupled to the CC system bus; a Bluetooth module coupled to the CC system bus; a CC internal battery coupled to the CC system bus; a CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module coupled to the CC system bus, the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module comprising at least one of: Bluetooth, 6LoWPan, and ZigBee; at least one control port coupled to the CC system bus; at least one control clamp coupled to the at least one control port; at least one monitor sensor coupled to the CC system bus; and CC code stored on the at least one CC non-transitory memory unit; the PCU code when executed by the at least one PCU processor configured to: establish a PCU power line communication link between the at least one powernet control unit; communicate with the at least one powernet control unit through the PCU power line communication link; communicate with the at least one communication cube through the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; and communicate with a PCU/CC dashboard application; the CC code when executed by the at least one CC processor is configured to perform the steps of: communicate with the at least one powernet control unit through the PCU inter-PCU/CC wireless module and the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; communicate with the at least one communication cube through the CC inter-PCU/CC wireless module; monitor and control at least one device through the at least one control clamp, the at least one device comprising a lighting system; create an RFID/Bluetooth beacon; and monitoring the at least one monitor sensor.
 25. An apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one powernet control communication cube, the powernet control communication cube (PCCC) comprising: a housing; a system bus within the housing; at least one processor coupled to the system bus; system memory coupled to the at least one processor; at least one non-transitory memory unit coupled to the at least one processor; a power port coupled to the system bus; a communication port coupled to the system bus; at least one control port coupled to the system bus; at least one control clamp coupled to the at least one control port; and PCCC code stored on the at least one non-transitory memory unit; a communication gateway coupled to the communication port; the PCCC code when executed by the at least one processor configured to: establish a power line communication link between the at least one powernet control communication cube; communicate with a PCCC dashboard application; communicate with the at least one powernet control communicate cube through the power line communication link; communicate with the at least one powernet control communication cube through the communication port; and monitore and controlling at least one device through the at least one control clamp.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, the PCCC further comprising a GPS module coupled to the system bus.
 27. The apparatus of claim 25, the PCCC further comprising an internal battery coupled to the system bus.
 28. The apparatus of claim 25, the communication port comprising at least one of: Wi-Fi, PLC, Ethernet, ZigBee, 6LoWPan, and Bluetooth.
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)
 33. (canceled)
 34. (canceled)
 35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled) 